Ever watched a high-potential buyer slip away with out warning? I’ve—and even from the surface trying in, it’s irritating. What’s worse is realizing it was most likely avoidable.
Churn not often reveals up with flashing lights. It’s usually a gradual fade: a drop in utilization, unanswered emails, and quiet complaints. And from all the pieces I’ve realized researching this area, recognizing these indicators early is sort of unattainable with out the finest buyer success software program.
I don’t work in buyer success, nor do I ship quarterly enterprise evaluation (QBR) decks or handle renewals. However I spend my days analyzing the instruments that assist SaaS corporations develop. Buyer success software program persistently stands out as probably the most precious investments a workforce could make.
I’ve spoken to CS leaders, learn by way of numerous critiques, and analyzed how groups are utilizing software program to show these “at-risk” moments into retention wins. The extra I dig into this area, the clearer it turns into: nice buyer success software program isn’t only a “nice-to-have.” It’s a lifeline for retention, enlargement, and long-term buyer loyalty.
Nonetheless, with so many instruments claiming to unravel the identical issues, choosing the proper one isn’t straightforward. That’s why I’ve pulled collectively 9 finest buyer success software program value your consideration based mostly on person suggestions, key options, and the way properly they really assist groups keep forward of churn.
9 finest buyer success software program for 2025: My prime picks
- Salesforce Service Cloud for enterprise groups already deep within the Salesforce ecosystem. ($25/person/month)
- Gainsight Buyer Success for data-driven CS groups at massive B2B corporations. (out there on request)
- ChurnZero for SaaS companies centered on decreasing churn by way of automation. (out there on request)
- Vitally for product-led groups needing quick, versatile CS workflows. (out there on request)
- Planhat for versatile, modular CS setups (out there on request)
- Totango for groups wanting prebuilt CS journeys and fast setup (out there on request)
- Catalyst for startups searching for a contemporary, intuitive CS platform (out there on request)
- Staircase AI by Gainsight for AI-powered relationship intelligence and sentiment evaluation. (out there on request)
- ZapScale for early-stage CS groups in B2B SaaS area. ($500/month)
*These are the top-rated buyer success software program of their class, in accordance with G2 Grid Stories. Pricing for many of those merchandise is offered upon request, apart from those for which I’ve already included the main points.
9 finest buyer success software program I like to recommend
From what I’ve seen, buyer success software program isn’t nearly stopping churn. It’s about delivering a greater buyer expertise, strengthening relationships, and driving long-term retention. It helps groups keep proactive, not reactive, and that shift alone could make an enormous distinction.
I’ve seen how the correct platform can provide CS groups the visibility they should scale personalised assist, observe product adoption, and uncover alternatives so as to add worth. These instruments make it a lot simpler to handle a rising record of accounts with out lacking a beat. You possibly can observe utilization tendencies, automate check-ins, and spot purple flags earlier than they turn out to be actual points.
It’s not nearly reacting when issues go mistaken; it’s about being one step forward and ensuring prospects see success each step of the way in which.
And in the event you’re in the course of evaluating instruments, I understand how overwhelming it may well get. That’s why I put this record collectively—to highlight platforms that persistently stand out for his or her usability, retention-driven options, and the true influence they’re making for buyer success groups.
How did I discover and consider the very best buyer success software program?
I began with a shortlist of top-rated buyer success instruments on G2 and dug into every platform’s options, pricing, and value. I centered on how properly they dealt with key capabilities like onboarding, buyer well being scoring, playbooks, automation, account monitoring, and collaboration between CS and different groups.
To go deeper, I used AI to research G2 critiques and floor recurring themes, whether or not it was ache factors customers stored mentioning, options they couldn’t stay with out, or areas the place sure instruments persistently outperformed others.
Please observe: Whereas some platforms supply free trials, demos, or guided excursions, there have been a couple of I wasn’t in a position to attempt firsthand. In these instances, I related with professionals who’ve used the instruments instantly and in contrast their insights with verified G2 critiques and my very own impartial analysis. The screenshots on this article embrace a mixture of these captured throughout my analysis and testing, in addition to photographs sourced from the distributors’ G2 profiles.
What makes the very best buyer success software program: My standards
Once I got down to consider these instruments, I centered on what truly helps CS groups do their jobs higher. Right here’s what I prioritized whereas reviewing every platform.
- Ease of use: Even the very best options don’t matter if the platform’s laborious to make use of. I paid consideration to how intuitive the UI felt, how easy onboarding was, and whether or not customers would want heavy coaching to get began.
- Onboarding and lifecycle automation: I regarded for platforms that make it straightforward to construct and automate buyer journeys. Triggered emails, job flows, and success milestones matter when scaling.
- Well being scoring and threat alerts: I paid shut consideration to how every instrument dealt with buyer well being—how versatile the scoring fashions had been, what knowledge they pulled from, and whether or not alerts truly helped groups act earlier than points escalated.
- Integrations with CRM and assist instruments: Buyer success doesn’t stay in a vacuum. I prioritized instruments that play properly with CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot and assist platforms like Zendesk or Intercom so groups get a unified view of the client.
- Playbooks and success planning: I regarded for built-in playbooks and templates that assist standardize processes like renewals, QBRs, or escalations. Bonus factors if the instrument lets groups customise and automate them based mostly on account sort or lifecycle stage.
- Reporting and visibility for CS leaders: I wished to see how simply groups might report on churn, NRR, retention, or phase efficiency. Government dashboards and exportable knowledge made a giant distinction right here.
Utilizing these elements, I in contrast over 20 instruments and narrowed them all the way down to 9 finest buyer success software program. Whereas they don’t seem to be good, checking each single field in my guidelines, they every excel in key areas that make them value contemplating.
The record beneath accommodates real person critiques from G2’s buyer success software program class web page. To be included within the record, a instrument should:
- Construct or determine buyer profiles.
- Seize buyer knowledge, historical past, and suggestions, together with survey outcomes, renewals, invoicing, product utilization, sentiment, and workforce interactions.
- Facilitate engagement with prospects all through the client lifecycle.
- Present suggestions, buyer success scores, and success studies based mostly on the evaluation of historic knowledge.
- Automate workflow processes like communications, alerts, coordinating engagements, analyses, success planning, and reporting.
- Predict future buyer progress, purple flags, and tendencies as dashboards or graphs utilizing knowledge associated to interactions, funds, inquiries, and extra.
- Scale, in accordance with the scale of the corporate and technique of buyer adoption or engagement.
*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques might have been edited for readability.
1. Salesforce Service Cloud
Salesforce is without doubt one of the most well-known and extensively used CRM and buyer success platforms on the market. It’s just about the gold commonplace for big enterprises and support-heavy groups that want deep case administration, omnichannel service, and cross-functional alignment at scale.
If I needed to describe Salesforce Service Cloud in a single sentence, it will be: extremely highly effective, however not with out its quirks. It leans extra in the direction of assist and customer support workflows.
What stood out to me instantly was how strong the platform is for case administration. From what I’ve seen and what customers persistently point out, it handles assist at scale like a professional. The omnichannel capabilities, together with net, chat, and electronic mail case routing, are an enormous win for assist groups juggling a number of channels.
Within the screenshots I captured throughout my trial (earlier than establishing the channels), you may see simply how centralized and clear the case view is. You possibly can assign labels, change homeowners, merge instances, and observe all the pieces with customizable filters. All the things, from establishing a brand new case and updating them to including information base articles, felt neat when you understood the stream.
The place Salesforce Service Cloud actually shines, in accordance with customers, is in customizability. You possibly can tailor workflows, automate actions, and construct dashboards that really mirror your buyer lifecycle. Throughout my analysis, I noticed this talked about time and again: it is a centralized system that makes collaboration simpler, not tougher.
One other factor that jumped out to me was the way in which AI is subtly built-in all through the platform. From producing solutions to summarizing buyer conversations to utilizing Einstein AI for predicting tendencies, Salesforce appears to be taking a considerate method to automation.
That stated, there are a couple of trade-offs to remember. One factor that got here up in a number of critiques was the pricing, which may turn out to be a consideration for rising groups.
Just a few customers additionally talked about that whereas the platform is extremely customizable (which is a power), profiting from that flexibility typically requires admin or developer assist. From my very own trial, I’d agree there’s a little bit of a studying curve. It’s not troublesome to get began, however configuring extra superior workflows or settings can take a while in the event you’re not already conversant in the Salesforce ecosystem.
That stated, in case your workforce has the assets to get it up and working correctly, it may well completely turn out to be the spine of your buyer success operation, particularly if you have already got Salesforce in your stack for CRM.
What I like about Salesforce Service Cloud:
- The case administration expertise is genuinely highly effective—it’s straightforward to trace, assign, and manage assist requests throughout a number of channels with out issues slipping by way of the cracks.
- I actually like how customizable the platform is. With the ability to tailor workflows, dashboards, and automation to suit totally different CS processes is a large plus.
What G2 customers like about Salesforce Service Cloud:
“Salesforce Service Cloud excels in Omni-Channel routing, AI-powered automation, and seamless integrations with instruments like Intercom and WhatsApp. Its case administration, information base, and real-time analytics improve effectivity, whereas customization and scalability make it ultimate for rising assist groups.”
– Salesforce Service Cloud Evaluate, Ian H.
What I dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
- I noticed that some superior configurations require admin or developer assist, which may gradual issues down in case your workforce doesn’t have in-house assist.
- The pricing construction appears like one thing to look at intently—particularly for rising groups the place prices might stack up quick, based mostly on my analysis.
What G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
“Salesforce Service Cloud is an excellent platform, however requires a variety of add-ons for what I’d have thought of fundamental performance, resembling quote formatting. All of those add-ons are sometimes all priced per person, so prices shortly rise relying on the variety of customers that you’ve got on the Salesforce Platform.”
– Salesforce Service Cloud Evaluate, Jon S.
2. Gainsight Buyer Success
Gainsight Buyer Success is strictly what its title suggests for my part. It offers buyer success groups the perception they should drive actual beneficial properties in retention, engagement, and progress. Primarily based on what I’ve discovered until now, Gainsight’s a favourite amongst mature CS orgs with devoted ops or admin assist.
I solely had entry to a demo of Gainsight, however even with out getting hands-on, I can see why so many CS groups swear by it. From what I gathered throughout my demo and confirmed by dozens of person critiques, it’s clearly constructed for groups that want full visibility into buyer well being, relationships, and outcomes.
What stood out to me first is what number of customers rave in regards to the Timeline and 360-degree views. It appears like Timeline has turn out to be the go-to spot for staying on prime of each interplay, touchpoint, and replace tied to a buyer. Plenty of CS professionals described it as their single supply of fact, particularly when juggling a big e-book of enterprise. That’s the form of construction I do know a variety of groups want that they had—much less searching throughout instruments, extra time truly serving to prospects.
I additionally noticed a ton of affection for Gainsight’s dashboards and automation options. Customers point out how straightforward it’s to trace account well being, arrange alerts, and even forecast threat. The flexibility to customise playbooks and set off workflows based mostly on conduct or product utilization looks as if an enormous plus, particularly for CS groups attempting to scale with out dropping that non-public contact.
That stated, there are some things to remember. A few customers that the platform can really feel a bit click-heavy at instances based mostly on what I heard. Accessing sure options usually takes extra steps than you’d anticipate, and that may add friction to your day in the event you’re working by way of a excessive quantity of accounts.
One other theme that I noticed usually was the complexity that got here with its feature-rich nature. Gainsight is extremely highly effective, however that energy comes with a studying curve. It’s not precisely plug-and-play.
These aren’t dealbreakers, however extra like issues to plan for, for my part. In case your workforce has the correct assets (or is keen to put money into them), the long-term payoff appears to be there.
Nonetheless, it’s clear that Gainsight isn’t simply one other CRM add-on—it’s a purpose-built buyer success platform with actual depth. Whether or not it’s surfacing product adoption tendencies or supporting interdepartmental collaboration, the instrument appears to ship worth throughout the board.
I could not have gotten to attempt it absolutely myself, but when I had been a part of a CS workforce trying to degree up our operations, I’d completely need this on the shortlist.
What I like about Gainsight Buyer Success:
- I really like how Gainsight pulls all the pieces into one place. Having a 360-degree view of accounts, timelines, well being scores, and playbooks makes it method simpler to remain proactive.
- The dashboards and automation choices are spectacular. It appears like I can construct workflows that really mirror how the CS workforce works, not simply power us right into a preset system.
What G2 customers like about Gainsight Buyer Success:
“A few of the issues I like most about Gainsight is the breadth of performance. It helps us centralize our buyer knowledge for our Buyer Success Administration groups. As well as, there may be a capability to extremely customise the arrange of your atmosphere.
We are able to write guidelines based mostly on particular actions distinctive to our group; we will create related actions from guidelines to JO packages, to studies and dashboards, and again once more. Just like many different organizations, our knowledge doesn’t simply stay in a single supply, so we reap the benefits of its capability to hook up with different sources, primarily by way of API calls however Amazon S3 and even CSV when wanted.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Evaluate, Carol Ok.
What I dislike about Gainsight Buyer Success:
- Primarily based on G2 critiques, what I discovered is that some elements of the platform really feel a bit click-heavy. It takes a couple of further steps to get the place you wish to go, particularly if you’re managing a variety of accounts.
- From what I noticed, Gainsight has a studying curve and works finest when you might have an influence person or an admin to handle setup and ongoing customization.
What G2 customers dislike about Gainsight Buyer Success:
“Gainsight has come a great distance with their person interface however there are nonetheless some admin options which can be click on heavy and a few error messages that are not informative sufficient, requiring an admin to contact Gainsight assist.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Evaluate, Dan A.
3. ChurnZero
Holding observe of dozens of accounts, well being scores, and touchpoints isn’t straightforward. However from all the pieces I’ve learn, ChurnZero helps make it manageable. Full disclosure: I didn’t get the prospect to demo or take a look at ChurnZero myself with a free trial, however after digging into latest G2 critiques and doing a deep dive into what the platform presents, I can see why it’s gaining traction with buyer success groups. It’s particularly well-liked with fast-growing mid-sized CS groups.
What stood out to me instantly, from each analysis and person suggestions, is how properly ChurnZero brings all the pieces collectively. It’s designed to be a real command middle for CS groups: account overviews, job monitoring, playbooks, well being scores, buyer journeys are multi functional place.
Many customers talked about how useful it’s to have visibility throughout the client lifecycle with out leaping between instruments, and that positively got here by way of in the way in which folks described their every day workflows.
Customization additionally appears to be a giant win. Customers persistently talked about how straightforward it’s to tailor dashboards, automate processes, and phase accounts based mostly on no matter metrics matter most to them. It appears like ChurnZero offers groups a variety of flexibility with out complexity. There’s additionally a robust emphasis on proactivity. Issues like reminders, alerts, and playbooks appear to assist groups take motion earlier than issues snowball into churn.
That stated, it’s not with out its friction factors. One factor I seen in a number of critiques, and one thing I’d take into account if I had been evaluating ChurnZero for my workforce, is that it takes a bit time to get absolutely comfy with the platform. There’s so much beneath the hood, and whereas that depth is unquestionably a power, it takes a while.
I noticed a couple of reviewers additionally point out that the interface, whereas practical, might really feel a bit dated or click-heavy in locations. It appears like when you’re conversant in the system, the navigation turns into second nature, however there could also be a little bit of an adjustment interval upfront.
For many groups, these are manageable trade-offs. On the entire, ChurnZero is unquestionably a robust contender within the buyer success area.
What I like about ChurnZero:
- All the things’s centralized—duties, buyer knowledge, journeys, and notes all stay in a single place, which makes staying organized a lot simpler.
- The automation and customization choices stood out. From what I’ve seen, it’s versatile sufficient to assist totally different CS fashions with out forcing a one-size-fits-all setup.
What G2 customers like about ChurnZero:
“ChurnZero covers all elements of Buyer Success and has the full circle of the shopper journey lined. It’s particularly devoted to Buyer Success processes and that’s what makes it distinctive. It is rather straightforward to make use of and it is buyer assist can be superb. I’ve reached out a few instances they usually had been all the time useful.
ChurnZero is included in our every day duties and we use it fairly often, for essentially the most of our processes. I’ve managed to succesfully combine it with my Microsoft accounts (Calendar and E-mail) and I’m able to see all messages within the account profile and the conferences as properly, which makes my day organised.“
– ChurnZero Evaluate, Ivana S.
What I dislike about ChurnZero:
- From the critiques, it looks as if the platform isn’t one thing you simply bounce into. It takes a bit time to be taught, particularly in case your workforce doesn’t have admin assist.
- Just a few customers talked about that the interface can really feel a bit clunky or dated in spots and that some duties take extra clicks than they most likely ought to.
What G2 customers dislike about ChurnZero:
“The interface can really feel a bit outdated – there could possibly be some enhancements made to the UX.”
– ChurnZero Evaluate, Orla M.
4. Vitally
From what I noticed within the product tour and backed by tons of G2 suggestions, Vitally feels prefer it’s constructed to provide buyer success groups their time again. All the things about it appears designed for readability, velocity, and customization, particularly for groups that need knowledge entrance and middle with out drowning in it.
The UI was one of many first issues that stood out to me. It seems to be clear, fashionable, and truly gratifying to navigate. A number of reviewers echoed that—it’s customizable, consistently bettering, and provides you management over the way you see buyer knowledge. You possibly can inform it’s designed with day-to-day usability in thoughts.
I additionally preferred how clearly duties and account renewals surfaced. Simply from the screenshot alone, it’s straightforward to think about a CSM leaping in every morning and realizing precisely what wants consideration.
What actually impressed me is how Vitally balances being highly effective with out being overwhelming. It pulls knowledge from a number of instruments like CRMs, assist techniques, product analytics and makes it usable, not simply seen. Customers appear to like how straightforward it’s to centralize insights and take motion.
One other bonus: the playbooks and automation workflows look genuinely helpful for repetitive duties like onboarding and lifecycle administration. They’re visible, editable, and don’t appear to require a technical background to tweak.
After all, no instrument is ideal. Primarily based on what I’ve seen within the critiques, getting Vitally absolutely arrange and ensuring all of your integrations are working the way in which you need positively takes a while. It may be a bit troublesome to create and put your playbooks in place as they require cautious consideration.
Just a few customers additionally identified that whereas the UI is clear and fashionable general, some elements of it could possibly be a bit extra intuitive or strong, particularly in relation to accessing sure options. That stated, as soon as all the pieces’s in place, most customers appear to agree that the pliability pays off.
Total, Vitally seems to be like one of many extra fashionable, CS-first platforms on the market. It doesn’t simply enable you to handle buyer knowledge, it helps you act on it. In case your workforce desires one thing highly effective however nonetheless approachable, this one’s value a critical look.
What I like about Vitally:
- I actually preferred how clear and customizable the UI felt—it’s straightforward to think about a CSM beginning their day and realizing precisely what to give attention to.
- From what I noticed and browse, the flexibility to automate playbooks and centralize key knowledge from totally different instruments makes it an excellent environment friendly hub for CS groups.
What G2 customers like about Vitally:
“In case your integrations are arrange appropriately, it’s the good instrument to deliver collectively all related infomation to your CS workforce. We combine our product, amplitude, and Hubspot – which suggests I can consider any related cilent knowledge in as soon as place.
I additionally like that you should use it as acommuncation instrument between groups/ indivduals the place issues are much less prone to get buried like it will in one thing like Slack.“
– Vitally Evaluate, Patricia S.
What I dislike about Vitally:
- Some customers talked about (and I can see why) that getting all the pieces arrange, particularly integrations and workflows, and getting comfy with the instrument takes a little bit of upfront effort.
- Just a few elements of the interface, whereas usually fashionable, could possibly be extra intuitive or versatile in relation to configuring alerts or visualizing knowledge.
What G2 customers dislike about Vitally:
“I do assume that studying Vitally takes a little bit of time and funding, since it’s so customizable. You really want to have folks in your workforce who’re invested in “determining” the very best methods to make Vitally work to your firm and workforce. As well as, it is laborious for any person who’s outdoors of your processes and org to log in and immediately perceive the worth that the org is getting, since every Vitally view is so customizable to the particular person utilizing it. It isn’t essentially “intuitive”, particularly if any person new simply logs in with out the right arrange (or understanding that they should do a arrange).“
– Vitally Evaluate, Melissa S.
5. Planhat
.From renewals and QBRs to portfolio well being and account insights, Planhat constructed to provide CS orgs the readability and construction they should keep on prime of their pipeline and prospects. It’s particularly well-liked with mid-market and enterprise groups that want visibility into what’s occurring throughout segments with out dropping velocity.
After watching the platform demo and digging into latest G2 critiques, it’s clear that Planhat places actual thought into the CS workflow. The dashboard design is sharp. It is easy, however full of context.
You possibly can shortly see account well being, job standing, renewal threat, and open enlargement alternatives multi functional view. I discovered the way in which it visualizes buyer portfolios genuinely useful. A number of reviewers referred to as out the time they save by having all the pieces, from NPS scores to overdue QBRs. in a single place.
What stood out essentially the most was the stability of flexibility and construction. You’re not compelled right into a inflexible playbook, however you continue to have the instruments to maintain issues constant: playbooks, lifecycle monitoring, alerts, and integrations that really plug into your day-to-day instruments.
That stated, it’s not a instrument you grasp in a single day. Some customers talked about the training curve, particularly when attempting to configure dashboards or navigate superior workflows. Others famous that whereas the interface seems to be clear, it may well take a little bit of exploring to get comfy with how all the pieces matches collectively.
I additionally noticed few reviewers mentioning that integration choices could possibly be extra intensive or simpler to configure, particularly when attempting to attach instruments past the core ecosystem.
However general, folks appear to genuinely take pleasure in working in Planhat—largely as a result of it helps them keep organized, align higher with inside groups, and prioritize the correct buyer actions with out guessing. So, I might say it is positively value attempting out.
What I like about Planhat:
- I actually like how customizable the dashboards are. It’s straightforward to tailor views round account well being, renewals, and buyer exercise with out feeling locked into inflexible templates.
- The best way Planhat pulls in knowledge from totally different techniques and provides you a full image of your portfolio makes it really feel like a real operational hub for CS groups.
What G2 customers like about Planhat:
“The product is made for Buyer Success Groups, and it’s clear it has the folks behind the product with the identical mindset. Any lack of readability in a assist middle article is greater than resolved by reaching out to their superior degree Assist Staff. Do I’ve questions? Chat. Needing to really feel impressed or have somebody to brainstorm with? Chat. It’s a level-up above anybody else within the business.“
– Planhat Evaluate, Hannah D.
What I dislike about Planhat:
- From what I noticed in critiques, some elements of the platform can take time to be taught, particularly in the event you’re attempting to construct out extra superior workflows or views.
- Just a few customers talked about that integration choices could possibly be extra intensive or easier to configure, relying on what instruments you’re connecting.
What G2 customers dislike about Planhat:
“Tough to get the grasp of initially. Filtering might be troublesome on the info view, particulary saving your most well-liked view. The calendar/ job planning function is just not essentially the most intuitive.”
– Planhat Evaluate, Joash G.
6. Totango
Totango positively caught my consideration as a platform that tries to maintain issues easy with out stripping away performance. From the walkthrough I noticed, it feels prefer it’s constructed to assist CS groups that need visibility, construction, and suppleness—with out having to depend on a CS ops professional simply to get began.
The factor I seen most, and that reveals up usually in G2 critiques, is how useful Totango’s segmenting and filtering capabilities are. Customers actually appear to like how they’ll shortly slice their buyer base by key metrics, observe lifecycle phases, and monitor conduct with customized views.
It offers you that high-level dashboard really feel whereas nonetheless letting you drill down into what issues. The visible dashboards, job group, and well being rating visibility stood out as large wins. You get at-a-glance readability on renewals, threat, and engagement, which makes it simpler for groups to remain on prime of what wants consideration.
Plenty of customers additionally point out that it’s fairly straightforward to be taught. For me, that was refreshing to see. The UI is clear and intuitive, and reviewers usually point out that the preliminary setup doesn’t really feel overwhelming, particularly in comparison with some heavier CS platforms.
That stated, a couple of issues got here up in critiques I analyzed which can be value calling out. Some customers talked about that sure elements of the platform really feel restricted or inflexible, like job creation, and administration.
There have been additionally some feedback round integrations—not that they don’t exist, however that some could possibly be improved or really feel incomplete relying on the remainder of your tech stack.
Total, Totango looks as if a robust selection for CS groups that wish to scale their processes, hold duties organized, and get a unified view of their prospects with out drowning in complexity.
What I like about Totango:
- I actually preferred how straightforward it appeared to phase prospects and observe lifecycle phases. The dashboards felt clear and helped floor the correct info shortly.
- Plenty of customers talked about how approachable the platform is, and I can see why. It seems to be like one thing a CS workforce might rise up and working without having tons of technical setup.
What G2 customers like about Totango:
“Totango does a incredible job of taking the info fed into the platform and utilizing it to create a Well being Rating based mostly on the parameters that I want. Through the use of the info, campaigns and SuccessBlocs might be simply utilized permitting for loads of customization. The workflows are straightforward to arrange and implement throughout the entire workforce. When I’ve wanted assist, the workforce has been fast to reply with the correct answer.“
– Totango Evaluate, Christopher B
What I dislike about Totango:
- Primarily based on the critiques, a couple of areas really feel extra inflexible than I’d anticipate—like job creation or account construction, which might restrict flexibility for complicated workflows.
- I seen fairly a couple of mentions of integrations that could possibly be extra strong or simpler to work with. That is one thing to concentrate to in the event you work throughout a number of instruments.
What G2 customers dislike about Totango:
“Must be built-in a bit higher to our inside techniques like SalesForce, there may be a variety of inconsistency in workforce buildings and account ownershipm, in addition to matching alternatives with accounts.”
– Totango Evaluate, Andrea C.
7. Catalyst
Regardless that it is now formally a part of Totango, it’s clear Catalyst earned a robust fame by itself for being quick, clear, and refreshingly straightforward to make use of in comparison with among the extra bloated CS instruments.
What stood out to me instantly was what number of customers talked in regards to the interface. Almost everybody talked about that it’s intuitive, visually interesting, and simply is sensible for a CSM’s every day workflow. It wasn’t attempting to be all the pieces without delay, which meant much less noise and extra precise work getting executed. I noticed repeated mentions of how straightforward it was to trace buyer objectives, monitor well being, handle duties, and see all the pieces you want in a single place.
I might additionally see a variety of love for a way non-technical groups might get worth from the platform without having heavy admin assist. Customized views, centralized buyer knowledge, and a clear dashboard expertise made it ultimate for CS groups who need one thing highly effective however not overwhelming. For folk coping with buyer chaos throughout instruments or missing a single supply of fact, Catalyst appeared to offer much-needed readability.
That stated, a couple of themes got here up within the “could-be-better” division. I might see mentions of occasional bugs and minor UI confusion. Nothing main, however sufficient that folks famous it. And whereas Catalyst centered on simplicity, a few reviewers acknowledged that got here with fewer superior options in comparison with extra mature platforms like Gainsight.
However all in all, most customers appeared genuinely pleased with how Catalyst supported their workflow and made CS extra manageable. For those who’re a workforce searching for velocity, readability, and a no-nonsense method to buyer success, Catalyst positively earned its rep.
What I like about Catalyst:
- Plenty of customers talked about how clear and intuitive the interface felt and I really feel that form of usability goes a great distance in CS work.
- It’s nice that you simply don’t want a ton of admin or technical assist to get worth out of it. Primarily based on what I learn, all the pieces simply feels accessible.
What G2 customers like about Catalyst:
“Catalyst pulls actual time triggers and knowledge for our gross sales org that permit us to herald income each month. It saves us a bunch of time, streamlines our course of, and provides us ammo to make use of on daily basis. I look ahead to each catalyst job I get as a result of it means I’ve extra prospects to succeed in out to, and doubtlessly extra income to herald.”
– Catalyst Evaluate, Tyler G.
What I dislike about Catalyst:
- There have been a couple of feedback about occasional bugs or UI quirks I noticed. There are not any big points, however there are issues that may interrupt your stream if you’re in the course of managing accounts.
- From what I gathered, Catalyst might not have all of the superior options provided by larger CS platforms because it focuses extra on simplicity. This isn’t a significant downside, for my part, however one thing to maintain this in thoughts in the event you want heavy customization or complicated workflows.
What G2 customers dislike about Catalyst:
“The platform is usually a bit buggy at instances and I’ve had my integration with different instruments not sync correctly previously.”
– Catalyst Evaluate, Lex H.
8. Staircase AI by Gainsight
Staircase AI stood out to me as one of many extra centered instruments within the buyer intelligence area. It’s constructed particularly to assist CS groups perceive engagement and sentiment throughout accounts, utilizing real-time communication alerts.
From the product overview I noticed, I can inform it leans closely on automation and AI to floor insights that may in any other case get misplaced within the noise, like who’s slipping into threat, which stakeholders are going darkish, or the place sentiment is trending.
What stood out to me, and clearly to a variety of customers, is how straightforward it’s to navigate. A number of reviewers praised the simplicity of the UI and the way intuitive the platform feels each day. You don’t want a giant studying curve to start out seeing worth. It actually helps groups spot early warning indicators in buyer relationships and flag areas for deeper engagement.
Customers additionally appear to like the readability Staircase AI brings. Whether or not it’s surfacing sentiment alerts, flagging dangers, or displaying who’s engaged at what degree, the platform offers you a way more full image of every account.
After all, there are a couple of minor limitations value noting. I noticed a couple of customers declaring that the quantity of knowledge can really feel like so much at first however with the correct setup and studying, it turns into far more manageable. There have been additionally a couple of gentle mentions of integration gaps, largely from groups searching for deeper or extra seamless connections with their present instruments.
That stated, the suggestions is overwhelmingly constructive. Most customers appear genuinely enthusiastic about how Staircase AI helps them act earlier, talk smarter, and handle accounts extra holistically. Now that it’s a part of Gainsight, I’m curious to see the way it evolves, however even by itself, it already looks as if a stable instrument for groups who need deeper perception with out further busy work.
What I like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
- I actually preferred how the platform surfaces relationship alerts like engagement, sentiment, and responsiveness with out having to dig by way of calls or emails manually.
- The interface regarded clear and simple to navigate, and reviewers appear to agree it’s intuitive sufficient to start out seeing worth shortly.
What G2 customers like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“The AI options are nice. They just lately launched assembly notes and it has saved me a variety of time post-client calls. The studies are fairly insightful as properly and assist me shortly see when sure accounts want extra consideration. I like that we even have a CSM who helps us be taught extra in regards to the platform.”
– Staircase AI by Gainsight Evaluate, Amanda M.
What I dislike about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
- Some customers talked about that the dashboards and filters could possibly be extra versatile. I can see how that may matter in the event you’re managing a variety of accounts and want sharper views.
- Just a few critiques additionally talked about wanting extra integration depth with instruments your CS instruments depend on robust knowledge sync throughout platforms.
What G2 customers dislike about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“It isn’t a dislike, extra of an ask. Staircase has many native integrations, however there’s all the time room for extra. Extra Name Intelligence integrations and SFDC object syncing could be good additions.”
– Staircase AI by Gainsight Evaluate, Stephanie H.
9. ZapScale
ZapScale appears to be carving out a stable area of interest for itself within the B2B SaaS world, and from what individuals are saying, it’s straightforward to know the enchantment. It positions itself as a buyer success automation platform, and from what I noticed, most customers appear to agree that it truly delivers on that promise.
Many of us talked about getting a unified view of the client. All the things from well being scores and product utilization to CS metrics and lifecycle phases is pulled into one place. Just a few reviewers even talked about utilizing it as their central system of document for CS, which says so much.
I additionally received a way that ZapScale is fairly data-driven. There’s a heavy emphasis on monitoring KPIs and surfacing alerts that assist CSMs act earlier than issues go south.
That stated, there may be nonetheless some enchancment scope. Reporting got here up as a recurring theme as I analyzed critiques. Whereas the info is there, a couple of reviewers felt there could possibly be extra personalized studies. There have been additionally a handful of mentions round web page load time and efficiency in heavier dashboards, although it didn’t sound like a dealbreaker. Total, these appeared like areas the place a bit polish might go a great distance.
For those who’re a rising B2B SaaS firm searching for a CS instrument that balances automation with usability, I might say ZapScale is value trying out.
What I like about ZapScale:
- I preferred how ZapScale simplified buyer well being monitoring with out overwhelming me with configuration.
- Primarily based on my analysis, it felt purpose-built for lean CS groups—fast to implement, with simply the correct degree of insights.
What G2 customers like about ZapScale:
“ZapScale is nice for Buyer Success automation, Additionally the Buyer success workforce may be very immediate & supportive. Marketing campaign & survey function is recreation changer.ZapScale offers the view of our buyer well being & prone to churn account which is useful for us to plan our plan of action.”
– ZapScale Evaluate, Blair J, Director of Operations.
What I dislike about ZapScale:
- Primarily based on G2 person critiques, reporting looks as if a typical friction level—some customers wished extra customizable choices.
- Just a few reviewers additionally talked about slower load instances on heavier dashboards, although it didn’t look like a dealbreaker.
What G2 customers dislike about ZapScale:
“ZapScale does not but present us with an NPS survey, though plans exist to implement one quickly. Within the meantime, we handle NPS utilizing one other instrument and incorporate its outcomes into ZapScale for evaluation.”
– ZapScale Evaluate, Aarti P.
Often requested questions (FAQs) on buyer success software program
1. What’s buyer success software program?
Buyer success software program helps companies proactively handle relationships with their prospects by monitoring utilization knowledge, automating outreach, and monitoring key success metrics like well being scores and renewals. It ensures prospects obtain their desired outcomes, which boosts retention and satisfaction.
2. How is buyer success totally different from buyer assist or CRM software program?
CRM software program is often used for managing gross sales pipelines, whereas buyer assist instruments deal with particular person points. Buyer success platforms, however, take a proactive method—figuring out churn dangers and alternatives to drive product adoption and upsells earlier than issues come up.
3. Why is buyer success vital?
Buyer success is crucial for decreasing churn and maximizing buyer lifetime worth. When your prospects persistently get worth out of your product, they’re extra prone to keep, renew, and suggest it. That’s why companies are more and more investing in buyer success software program to scale these outcomes.
4. What options ought to I search for in the very best buyer success software program?
One of the best buyer success software program presents options like well being rating monitoring, buyer segmentation, utilization analytics, onboarding playbooks, and integrations with CRMs or assist instruments. Superior platforms can also embrace workflow automation, predictive alerts, and customizable dashboards.
5. How does buyer expertise differ from buyer success?
Buyer expertise is the general notion a buyer has of your model throughout all touchpoints. Buyer success focuses extra narrowly on guaranteeing customers obtain their objectives along with your product. Whereas they overlap, many companies use each buyer expertise software program and buyer success instruments to cowl the complete journey.
6. Is there a distinction between software program for buyer success and buyer assist instruments?
Completely. Buyer assist software program is reactive—dealing with points as they come up. Buyer success platforms are proactive—monitoring engagement, triggering alerts for low utilization, and enabling strategic outreach. For optimum outcomes, many groups combine each techniques.
7. What are some examples of the very best buyer success software program out there right this moment?
Some well-liked options embrace Gainsight, ChurnZero, Totango, Catalyst, and ClientSuccess. The only option is determined by your organization measurement, business, and whether or not you prioritize automation, integrations, or reporting depth.
Your license to retain
After spending a while exploring totally different buyer success software program platforms, one factor turned clear to me: the “finest” software program isn’t nearly options. It’s about match.
What works fantastically for a SaaS firm with a high-touch mannequin may really feel clunky or extreme for a product-led progress workforce. I realized that understanding your inside workflows, buyer lifecycle phases, and the true ache factors your CS workforce faces is extra vital than chasing shiny dashboards or the most costly answer.
Right here’s one other factor I picked up throughout this course of: pay shut consideration to how properly the platform allows proactive engagement. Instruments that supply deep integrations and usage-based triggers (like when a buyer hasn’t logged in for 7 days or drops beneath a sure well being rating) will assist your workforce transfer from reactive firefighting to strategic relationship constructing. That shift is the place the true ROI of buyer success software program begins to point out.
For those who’re nonetheless not sure, don’t simply depend on vendor demos. Discuss to groups just like yours and run brief pilots when doable. The suitable instrument gained’t simply assist your prospects succeed; it’ll additionally make your CS workforce really feel empowered, environment friendly, and aligned with progress.
Need to enhance buyer satisfaction? Discover ways to look after sad prospects with escalation administration.